Alternative Mesothelioma Treatments

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been suggested as a palliative form of treatment for mesothelioma
patients undergoing chemotherapy. It has shown to decrease nausea, a common
complaint of patients undergoing chemotherapy. Acupuncture is used to relieve
pain and promote a healthy flow of energy through the body and its use has
recently increased in the United States.

This treatment was originally used in China thousands of years ago. It
involves the use of extremely thin needles inserted at various points on
the body to connect with nerves or meridians. There are some instances where
individuals do not respond to this form of treatment, but it is worth trying
as many people report feeling energized or calm after treatment and their
pain has been relieved as well.

Reflexology

Reflexology has been used in various cultures and historical periods as
a form of stress reduction and pain relief. It involves putting pressure
using specific hand, thumb and finger techniques to points on the hands and
feet.

Benefits of Reflexology

Relaxation

Pain reduction, post-operative recovery

Rejuvenation of tired feet

Improved blood flow

Enhancement of conventional medical care

Decrease of common mesothelioma treatment side effects such as nausea
and vomiting

Meditation

Meditation is a holistic discipline used to achieve a deeper state of relaxation
or awareness. It has been used in various religions and has been practiced
for centuries. There are several different ways of meditating and the practice
could be used to relieve stress related to a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Yoga

Yoga is a movement form of meditation and can be used by patients to relax
their central nervous system. Some benefits of practicing yoga are improved
coordination and flexibility, reduced stress, and pain relief.

Massage

Massage can be used to alleviate several symptoms patients may be feeling
from mesothelioma treatments. Massage can:

Lessen depression and anxiety

Reduce post-surgery adhesions and swelling

Release endorphins, the body's natural painkiller

Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow, the body’s natural defense
system (Immunity of mesothelioma patients is greatly affected by chemotherapy
because it can attack healthy cells in the body)

Taking Herbal & Nutritional Supplements as Part of Mesothelioma Treatment

Doctors and physicians prefer that mesothelioma cancer patients receive
their vitamins and minerals in the foods they eat, but in situations where
patients are unable to eat or have a very low appetite, supplements play
a huge part in mesothelioma treatment and comfort of the patient. Chemotherapy
and radiation lung cancer treatments can deplete the body of integral nutrients
such as iron and protein. This can lead to fatigue and a general unwell feeling
for the patient. By taking nutritional and herbal supplements, the patient's
immune system can be strengthened to improve the quality treatment and well-being.

A free book is available for mesothelioma patients and their families at Mesothelioma Answers. The book, "101 Facts About Mesothelioma", By Dr. Kaplan provides extensive answers to all the most common questions about mesothelioma cancers. Some of these questions include:

- Exactly what is meant by the term mesothelioma?
- Are their different types of mesothelioma? What are the differences?
- What does the word pleura mean?
- Who is at risk for developing mesothelioma?
- Is there a specific cause for mesothelioma? If so, what is it?
- How can mesothelioma be prevented?
- What actually is asbestos?
- What kinds of symptoms might I experience from mesothelioma?